LANDOVER, Md. — The Miami Dolphins opened their 2026 preseason with a 20-7 loss to the Washington Commanders on Friday evening at Northwest Stadium, getting an encouraging efficiency from their starters earlier than their backups struggled to maintain the momentum.
Miami gained the coin toss and elected to obtain, however the opening drive started on the Dolphins 7-yard line after operating again Jaylen Wright fumbled the kickoff and linebacker Tyrel Dodson was known as for holding.
Quarterback Malik Willis settled in shortly, discovering receiver Malik Washington for 2 catches, together with one which went for a primary down on the Dolphins’ opening possession. Running again De’Von Achane additionally broke unfastened for a primary down behind a powerful block from middle Aaron Brewer.
The Dolphins capped their first drive with a highlight-reel catch and a landing.
Caleb Douglas, Miami’s third-round choose in the 2026 draft, made a spectacular one-handed, left-handed seize for 28 yards from Willis with a defender draped over him.
Later in the drive, Willis scrambled for a primary down and drew a facemask penalty. Achane then powered into the top zone from 1 yard out to cap a 14-play, 93-yard drive and provides Miami a 7-0 lead.
It was an encouraging opening for a Dolphins group searching for indicators of progress heading into the common season.
Miami’s beginning protection additionally confirmed some battle on its first possession.
Dodson delivered a giant hit on Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota after a completion for a primary down. Mariota left the sport one play later after taking the hit.
Shortly after, Dolphins cornerback Marco Wilson recorded the sport’s first turnover for Miami when a go from third-string quarterback Sam Hartman sailed over the top of receiver Dyami Brown and into Wilson’s fingers.
Washington responded with factors after Miami quarterback Quinn Ewers threw an interception on a go that sailed over his receiver and into the fingers of Commanders security Quan Martin. The Commanders turned the takeaway right into a discipline purpose.
Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had a productive evening for Miami, making a number of tackles in site visitors and batting down a go from Hartman.
Defensive ends Max Llewellyn and David Ojabo mixed for a sack of Hartman, whereas defensive sort out Jordan Phillips persistently clogged the center. Edge rusher Cameron Goode added a sack of Athan Kaliakmanis, and undrafted rookie defensive finish Mason Reiger additionally introduced down Kaliakmanis in the fourth quarter.
However, Washington started to discover success on the bottom after Miami’s starters left the sport. Running again Robert Henry Jr. broke free for a 22-yard landing on a misdirection run after Goode and Wilson had been pinned, giving the Commanders a 10-7 lead.
Ewers struggled to discover a rhythm behind Miami’s second-team offensive line. He completed 1 of 8 for 27 yards and an interception.
The Commanders prolonged their lead earlier than halftime when Katron Allen powered in from 1 yard out to make it 17-7. Hartman related a number of occasions with Jaylin Lane, who completed the half with three catches for 31 yards, whereas Allen offered a spark on the bottom.
Miami’s protection continued to produce some optimistic moments. Major Burns made a powerful open-field sort out on a Hartman scramble, and linebacker Trey Moore helped pressure a three-and-out with stress. Tight finish Traore additionally made a sort out on the punt-return unit, whereas Miles Battle helped the Dolphins get a cease on third and 13.
The Dolphins’ run protection, nevertheless, struggled as soon as the starters had been out of the sport. Henry completed with 10 carries for 66 yards and a landing.
Miami’s offense continued to struggle in the second half. Quarterback Cam Miller threw an interception when Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho stepped in entrance of a go supposed for receiver Tahj Washington. Washington turned the turnover into three extra factors on a 41-yard discipline purpose by rookie Drew Stevens.
Miller later related with A.J. Henning on third and 16 for a 24-yard achieve after Henning discovered a gap in the zone.
But Miller’s struggles continued as he threw his second interception of the sport, this one to security Malik Spencer.
The good
Willis completed his first look as a Dolphin 4 of 5 for 43 yards and added a 9-yard speeding try. Achane completed with seven carries for 39 yards and a landing.
Miami’s first-team offensive line offered one other optimistic takeaway. First-round choose Kadyn Proctor generated good push alongside Patrick Paul, Brewer and Jonah Savaiinaea, who additionally opened operating lanes at proper guard.
Douglas’ spectacular catch was one other spotlight for the Dolphins. The 2026 third-round choose had flashed all through coaching camp and delivered one of many sport’s most memorable performs together with his contested 28-yard seize.
The unhealthy
Overall, the Dolphins’ starters regarded sharp, however the group’s backups struggled for a lot of the evening as Washington pulled away.
Ewers and Miller mixed to go 4 of 19 for 66 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Dolphins’ run protection additionally allowed greater than 170 speeding yards on 41 carries.
Miami (0-1) will host the New York Giants on Aug. 22 at Hard Rock Stadium.
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